📕 Title: Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous
✏️ Author: Autumn K England
📖 Genre: Cozy Fantasy
⭐ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📝 Non-binary MC
✅ Standalone Novel

When Oaklin Nettlewood accidentally joined an evil world-ending cult, mind control magic forced them to do unspeakable things. Years later, a traumatized Oaklin escapes to a small farm and swears that they will never use magic again. Ever. The no-nonsense ghost granny who lives in Oaklin’s house has other ideas, coaxing Oaklin out of their shell and helping them find much needed friendships. At least, until an inquisitor comes to town to hunt former cultists like Oaklin.

REVIEW

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for the digital copy!

Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous is a low stakes, cozy fantasy written in third person with a non-binary protagonist (they/them). Oaklin is a likeable and sympathetic character, despite their past. Their relationship with the cantankerous granny ghost was so sweet, especially in the way she mentors them in caring for the farm.

I loved how welcoming the community is to Oaklin and the way everyone helped each other like a big family. The small town felt well fleshed out with many side characters (and animals) that I loved. The romantic subplot was cute too! And of course there is a baker and some wonderful descriptions of food.

This is a story about forgiveness, community, and belonging, and while the vibes are overall cozy it does have content that can feel heavy at times. Oaklin’s traumatic experience in the cult and their guilt for their actions (including murder) affects their mental health, causing panic attacks. Characters discuss religious trauma, and how authority figures affected their relationship with religion and magic. There are discussions about what compels people to join cults and who should be held responsible for their actions.

I found the story well paced and a quick read. This is definitely a good pick for fans of Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea and The Spellshop.